Lessons in Theater

They began the unit by reading a play called “The Audition” by Don Zolidis, then were assigned to small groups and asked to plan an audition for one of the following famous shows: The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland or Willy Wonka. The groups created all the printed materials necessary for the audition including posters, sign up sheets, forms, plot summaries and character breakdowns. They planned a 30-minute audition which required the actors to slate, read a side (selection from a script), perform a solo improv and then do one final task to show off their performance skills (read from a group scene, perform a group improv, show a special skill, learn a dance on the spot, etc.) The students didn’t just plan the audition, they really held auditions during class time for other students. Faculty and staff were invited to audition as surprise guests, which raised the bar for the students and helped to further provide a realistic experience. Some selections from two of the four classes were compiled into a video by Wade Tonken. Enjoy!